BAJ students in the Fairtrade Gold Design Awards finals!

BAJ students in the Fairtrade Gold Design Awards finals!

Ingle &Rhode have recently launched the first ever Fairtrade Gold Design Awards, which they have created with the support of the Fairtrade Foundation. The aim was to raise awareness of Fairtrade gold amongst people who are the future of the jewellery industry, whilst helping to identify and promote new up-and-coming talent.

Entrants were invited to submit a design for a wedding ring, an engagement ring or a wedding and engagement ring set. Designs might incorporate yellow, white or rose gold and up to 0.5ct of round brilliant cut diamonds.

Entries were assessed on originality, creativity, presentation as well as practical considerations, and a shortlist of up to 15 finalists has been put to a public vote.

We are delighted to announce five out of fifteen finalists shortlisted for the 2017 Fairtrade Gold Design Awards study at the British Academy of Jewellery.

SOPHIE HUTCHINSON – LEVEL 2 JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN

“I’ve always loved the ‘infinity’ symbol and what it represents, however, I liked that classically an engagement ring should include one large diamond. After originally playing around with a 2 diamond design around the infinity symbol, I decided to focus on a larger stone and a smaller infinity symbol. The larger stone takes centre stage and sits above a small infinity shape which also encases two smaller diamonds. I consider the design a contemporary take on a classic item made for the modern women who likes something feminine and a bit different.”

“I’d like this to be made in fair-trade gold because I think it is important to support small-scale miners and make sure we better their working conditions. You’ll also gain satisfaction knowing that they are paid correctly and have improved their working conditions through buying fair trade gold. I think people often forget how much someone has worked to create the beautiful piece of jewellery they wear and in some cases, miners can work in dangerous circumstances, these people have families and children and we need to support them.”

KATE ZIYAO LI – LEVEL 2 JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN

“Mistletoe had been the inspiration for the engagement ring I have designed. The metal materials I chose are 18ct white gold and 9ct rose gold. The white gold is for the circle ring, and the rose gold is for the stone setting and bowknot.”

“It’s very important to use Fairtrade gold to making the design. Because if everybody within the industry use Fairtrade metal and diamond, the miners are more likely to get better paid and better lives.”

EVA REYBURN – LEVEL 2 JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN

“My ring, entitled ‘Unity’, will be made of yellow Fairtrade gold. The top of my ring design has three loops, two smaller loops symbolising the individuals in the relationship, linking in opposite directions to one larger central loop, with a 0.5 carat round white brilliant cut diamond in its centre. This central loop with its sparkling centre is the individuals’ bright future together. The small spheres beside each of the smaller loops are to symbolise each of our beginnings and how we grow as we become more united.”

“I was influenced by the Olympic Rings as they are one of the ultimate symbols of teamwork and togetherness, and the idea that each of us is better as one and happier working together, whether it be in marriage, or in larger terms like Fairtrade, played a large role in designing this ring. Fairtrade is very fitting to the theme of unified support.”

“Overall, I designed a ring to express how marriage is the more than love, although that is certainly a large part of it. Marriage is also about commitment, teamwork and unity.”

TOMASSO IAQUINTA – LEVEL 2 JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN

“Deep in my roots and traditions I can recall a typical jewel used for the marriage proposal called jannacca. This was a collier made up of oval or spherical shape golden grains worked in filigree; sometimes with insertions all along the circumference. From this came my idea to create a solitaire using the same technique and design described above.”

“This ‘Acherentia engagement ring’ comes with the stem only made by filigrees which will create a solid base and delicate yet elegant decoration. The peculiar part of this revisited ring is the setting which will resemble my traditional jewel as an hemisphere all made by filigree, this will end with an opening made to receive a round cut diamond 0.50 ct.”

ZAINAB KHAN – LEVEL 3 JEWELLERY MANUFACTURE APPRENTICE

“This design is based on nature influences, the idea behind the theme and inspiration being to choose a subject that directly relates to what fair trade is all about, such as drawing on the earth’s resources whilst mining and farming but doing so fairly and ethically for all involved. I do think it’s very important to encourage and educate a new generation of jewellers on the importance of using fair-trade materials.”

Winners and commendations will be awarded in each category, and the overall winner will receive £500, and the opportunity of exciting work experience, which will include seeing their design transformed into a stunning piece of jewellery. Ingle & Rhode will create the winning design in Fairtrade gold and fully traceable ethically produced diamonds. The finished piece will be loaned to the winner to exhibit at their end of year show and/or the New Designers

exhibition,

before it is auctioned by Ingle & Rhode to raise money for the Fairtrade Foundation.